ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — After almost two months to the date, there's been another riot at the St. Louis City Justice Center. It started Sunday evening before 9:00 and was not brought under control until nearly midnight.
Fires were set while mattresses, a table, a large chair, and other debris came reigning down from the third floor City Justice Center, a repeat of the February 6 uprising.
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Though this time, when police restored order on the north end of the facility, about 30 minutes later, glass windows came crashing out of the south side, smashing to the ground. Police quickly gained control of that wing. You could see through the shards of broken glass windows detainees being led away in handcuffs on both sides of CJC.
Dozens of onlookers cheered on the detainees and at one point, broke through police tape and stood on Tucker Boulevard and the sidewalk of the CJC.
St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts was there and when KMOX asked about the situation and who was in control, he said he guessed he was in charge and that "we're going in to get them". Public Safety Director Judge Jimmie Edwards resigned his position last Wednesday. At no point, did any official with the jail or police make a statement about the uprising.
Mayor Lyda Krewson's spokesman Jacob Long released a statement early Monday morning:
"Earlier tonight, there were two violent and dangerous disturbances that unfolded at the City Justice Center downtown. They originated from two units on the third floor beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m. Detainees became non-compliant, covered security cameras, smashed windows, and destroyed property. I do not have any reports of any serious injuries at this time. The Corrections Division, SLMPD, the Sheriff's Office, and STLFD all worked together to respond accordingly and bring the situation to a resolution. Staff remains on site working to address clean-up and make repairs."
"That's the extent of what I'm able to share at this time. As a reminder, detainees housed at the CJC are individuals who the courts have determined should be held. Questions surrounding their cases should be directed to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court."
Both candidates for St. Louis Mayor have responded. Here's Alderwoman Cara Spencer's statement:
"Last night marks the 4th serious incident at the CJC in a matter of months. It’s clear that the city is failing to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in the city’s care and corrections officers in our incarceration facilities.
As mayor, I will launch a full investigation into the city’s two detention facilities to ensure that staff and the city residents incarcerated there are safe.
New leadership is needed in the post of Public Safety Director and I will make this an immediate priority.
I remain committed to closing the city’s other detention facility called the Workhouse. Recognizing this plan will obviously have to include competent and humane administration of the CJC as well, this will take a thoughtful and realistic plan - and I am prepared to lead this effort in an expedient manner while putting safety and well-being first.
Recognizing that those held at CJC are housed under the recommendations of Circuit Attorney Kim Gardener and the US attorney, I will work with her office, public defenders, judges and federal system. We must work through the backlog of cases to ensure that those at both city incarceration facilities move as quickly as possible, to put an end to cash bail for low level offenses and to house those necessary with the dignity and safety and that all human beings deserve."
Jones tweeted out her response:
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